Molière’s The Misanthrope is the kind of play that Stratford does very well. They have the classically-trained ensemble to pull off the language, and in the case of director David Grindley, someone who understands the thrust stage.

The plot concerns Alceste, a man who is so against hypocrisy, that he hates humankind. Alceste always tells the truth. Did Molière mean Alceste to be a butt of satire, or is he a man of honour? That is the puzzle. If the first act seems a little talky, the second act is absolutely riveting.

Ben Carlson as Alceste turns in another brilliant performance, aided by Juan Chioran has his friend Philinte. They lead a strong cast.